I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived at the Shoreline Waikiki for the start of the Pacific Adventures dance trip. The description was " a boutique hotel" in the heart of Waikiki, and from the pictures on line, I could see it was going to be a vastly different experience from the luxurious but impersonal Sheraton that I stayed at on my last visit to Honolulu almost 5 years ago.

So I will start by saying that the hotel staff were great, pleasant and very helpful. First Edean, the reservation clerk worked diligently to solve my last minute room emergency when Air Canada cancelled my flight (the Max issue) and I was rebooked a day earlier. The front desk personnel, Ricardo and Josh, who checked me in, and then handled the next day checkout, and re-checkin (don't ask!) each took time to be helpful with good information.

This 195 room hotel was re-conceived last year with the theme of Nature meets Neon. The lobby sets the tone with high ceilings and the birds "perching" on the lights. The halls of the first 5 floors are  bright Teal, then comes the Raspberry floors and finally the Blueberry purple. Since I am partial to bright jewel colours I like it though there is no subtlety about the neon. Even the 14th floor rooftop swimming pool area is brightly decorated.

Much as I enjoy luxury, my actual requirements are simple.  A good shower with hot water, a comfortable bed, a desk, a fridge, a safe, a desk and counter space in the bathroom where I can comfortably stand my ageLOCMe and LumiSpa, which always accompany me on my travels. Unlike other hotels, both boutique and major chains, I did not have to wait more than a couple of minutes for an elevator, going up or down. 

Touches that I really like about this boutique hotel: unlike many of the upscale hotel chains, internet is free, both in  your room, and in the lobby...and the signal is strong. Complimentary bottles of water are in the fridge on arrival and are replenished daily. In the lobby complimentary coffee, decaf coffee and hot water are available all day, along with three options of water with fruit. In the afternoon, popcorn and ices were served - not that I had any - not in my low carb.

The location is excellent, very convenient for the minor shopping chores I needed to  get done.

Overall I give this a high score and would certainly consider booking here again on my next return to Honolulu .